Day 1840: Trying

I’m trying to decide what to include in today’s post.

Some people assume that creating a daily blog post is very trying. I’m  trying to explain that blogging helps me deal with trying times.

When I’m trying to  compliment somebody’s progress, the person often says, “I’m trying.”  Trying to acknowledge they’re doing more than just trying, I sometimes reply, “You’re succeeding.”

I’m trying to capture the world around me in photographs. I’m trying to put those photographs in some kind of order to communicate what’s trying and what’s succeeding.

I’m trying to look at that “try denial” kitchen magnet without thinking about the deadly mudslides in California, but I can’t deny those thoughts.

I’m trying to remember that my son, who left for university in Scotland last night, will be back in May.

I’m trying to keep up with other people’s blogs, but I’m not succeeding.

I’m still trying to choose the right music for every post.

I’m trying to encourage people to express their thoughts and feelings, here and elsewhere.

As always, I’m trying to express gratitude to all who helped me create this “trying” post and — of course! — to you, for trying.

Day 1787: Progress

I often tell people in therapy that it’s important to acknowledge and validate progress, especially their own.

Therefore, I’m going to acknowledge and validate progress in several areas.

Michael sent me the three photos he took for me on Saturday.

  

I am having a pain-free reaction this year to November 22, the anniversary of the 1963 assassination of John F. Kennedy and also my first heart surgery at age 10 (progressively blogged about here, here, here, here, and here).

For now, when I have my teeth cleaned (as I am today), I take only a single  pill of antibiotics instead of having an intravenous infusion  (progressively blogged about here and here).

Because I got my own INR monitor last week, I can test my blood levels at home instead of going into the hospital every few weeks to manage my anticoagulant medication.

There is progress in women feeling safer to speak up about sexual harassment.

I continue to progress in taking photos for this blog.

I hope we can make progress towards peace.

Here’s “Progress” by Mutemath:

I shall now progress in giving thanks to all who helped me create today’s post and — of course! — to YOU.